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Greetings!
Have you seen any Redbud blooming yet? We spotted some in East Texas, and it was a wonderful reminder that SPRING really is on the way. It's been a rough winter in many parts of the country this year, and I know that we're all rejoicing at the return of the robins and the first sighting of those daffodils poking up through the last remnants of snow. Lots of us are half-way through our March project and will begin our northern trek at the end of the month (praying that the snow will be gone by then). Although the number of working SOWERS has been down this season, we are still rejoicing that many ministries have received both building assistance and encouragement over the last several months. Please join us in praying for an abundance of servants in the coming months, so that many more ministries will be able to be blessed.
Early next month we share in a time of special reflection - Resurrection Sunday. Yet as believers, we celebrate our Lord's Resurrection and His perfect gift of Life each and every day. My prayer is that you will indeed be renewed as you embrace the wonder of the Resurrection!
He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!!!
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
for the Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
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"Grassroots Ministry Members working on 'The Orchard' "
The Herald, a local newspaper published in Truth or Consequences (NM) recently ran a great story about some of our SOWER family who have been working at Apple Tree Educational Center (NM-477) over this past winter. It highlighted not only the SOWERS who were working, but also our ministry in general. Check out the full article HERE!
And thanks to Paul & Gerda Clark (2164) for sending the article into the office!
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Last official Reunion of the Winter Season
Whether you're an Alumni, a Seasoned Sower or New to the Family, there's nothing like a Sower Reunion to connect with friends old and new and get recharged about the ministry. If you live in close proximity to a SOWER project, let them know you're around! There are often impromptu gatherings of SOWERS happening all around the country all year long! Whether you're camping together or just meeting for a meal at a local restaurant, a SOWER Gathering is always a blessing!
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(aka Texas Reunion)
March 29 - April 1
Trinity Pines Conference Center
Trinity, TX
(TX- 454)
There's still time to join the fun!
What are you waiting for!?
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Meanwhile, in Arizona, there was a very special SOWER gathering!
 We had a wonderful day at the Barleen's Arizona Opry. Great seeing old friends and meeting new. The music was wonderful and the food was the best we have ever had there. Thank you Sowers driving from Yuma, Tucson, Glendale, Phoenix and us home folk that live there all meeting for a time of fellowship and food.. All had a good time!Karen & Von Edge (#1889)
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You want us to do what?
Who: Harvey DeBoer (2276) and Bill McClintick (3213)
What: Re - felt a pool table
When: April 2013
Where: Rockin' C Ranch, Lindale, TX TX-390 (Retired Project)
Why: See above picture
How: How else? - Youtube videos!!
Thanks to Bill McClintick for submitting this great example of our wonderful SOWER job diversity!
What's the most unusual job you've been asked to do as a SOWER? Send your stories and pictures to Stephanie and we might feature it in the newsletter!
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A BIG TEXAS THANKS!!
From Gulf Coast Foursquare Church (TX-447)
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Recently seen on the SOWER Facebook Group Page
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 Have you stopped by lately? Make sure you've "checked" the box to receive notifications, and PLEASE post pictures and stories from YOUR projects!
And if you're a member of Facebook, but haven't joined the SOWER Group, click on the icon to join the family!
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Jordon Outreach (CA-482) has 4 SOWER spots, and is open for workers through June this year!
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While you're on Facebook, don't forget to check out your favorite projects. Many of our project locations have a Facebook page and it's a great way to stay up to date on the places you love to serve!
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Dear Sam and Sally
Dear Sam and Sally,
Every month you talk about Facebook, but I'm still not sure that I want to join. And I also don't quite understand about the SOWER Group and SOWER Page. What's the difference, and why would I need to join both?
Signed,
Wanting to stay connected!
Dear Connected,
Facebook can be a bit overwhelming at times, we know! Whether or not you even join Facebook is a very personal decision. We like FB because it helps us stay connected with our kids and grandkids (we love seeing little snippets of their lives) and friends from back home. Plus it's enabled us to keep track of the wonderful friends we've made through SOWERS, along with the different projects where we have worked. And yes - there are two SOWER spots on FB. Since it is a bit confusing, we thought maybe this comparison table might help.
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PEOPLE
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Organization
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People who love and are a part of SOWERS.
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The SOWER ministry itself.
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How to join
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You must ask or be invited to join and then must be approved by administrator or another member.
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Click on the "Like" button. ANYONE can become a fan of the SOWER Ministry.
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Who can join
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Members consist primarily of SOWERS and project hosts.
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SOWERS, Family members, friends, folks interested in the ministry, ANYONE!
The more the merrier!
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Why Join?
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The SOWER Group helps to promote community within our SOWER Family. This is a great place to post pictures, ask questions, give project updates, etc.
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The Page promotes our ministry. Updates are usually more general and not so people oriented.
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Who can see it?
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Visible to all, but only members can add posts, pictures and comments.
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Visible to all. If you've liked the page you can add a post, but only the administrator's posts are readily visible on the main feed.
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Notifications
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Members are notified whenever a member makes a post.
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Folks who have "liked" the page will see new posts in their newsfeed. If they then "like" the post, their friends will also see the post. This is great for increasing awareness of our ministry.
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Hope that helps! We'd encourage you (if you're on Facebook) to be a part of both! The SOWER Group to stay connected with friends, and the SOWER Page to help us promote the ministry. Stephanie Conrad is currently the FB administrator, so feel free to contact her with any questions or insights you might have.
Blessed to be in the SOWER Family,
Sam & Sally
Do you have a question about SOWER policy or etiquette? Sam and Sally would love to hear from you! Contact them at -samandsally@sowerministry.org.
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New Project in
North Carolina
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| Harvest Time Bible Camp
Ellenboro, NC
NC-522 |
Harvest Time Bible Camp is located in the foothills of the South Mountain Range near Shelby, NC.
The camp offers horseback riding, waterfall hiking, swimming, paddle boats, canoes, and many outdoor activities/games. Churches primarily from the Carolinas bring their youth for a gospel rich environment while enjoying the beautiful surrounding mountains. SOWERs will be able to interact with the campers as much as they want including game times as well as attendance to chapel services and outdoor events. Children are encouraged in their faith and leave with a clear understanding of the gospel. Many are sponsored so this is their first and maybe only camp experience they will encounter. SOWER men will be used in all areas - ranging from construction to small scale farming (gardening, mowing & interaction with a few farm animals). SOWER ladies will be used in the kitchen, bunk inspections and preparations, and tending the craft hut and snack shack. If you are looking for a secluded mountain setting with a chance to interact with campers this is the place for you - you will have many hands on experiences and hugs/kisses to boot! Guaranteed to leave with a southern drawl and a love of grits!
This new project, being sponsored by Wayne & Gail Fieler (3187), will have 5 SOWER spots during the months of May, June, & July. We welcome them to the SOWER Family!
Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
John 4:35
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Clicking on the Daffodils will take you to the Members Only Page and the February/March Sowergram and the latest updates to our Project Listings (updated weekly).
Watch for the April/May Sowergram being printed at the end of the month.
The password has not changed since December 15th. If you're having trouble signing in, check your hard copy for the correct password.
Or contact the office (M-Th) - they're always happy to help!
903-882-8070
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Just the Facts
for March 2015
(March 2014)
Number of Active SOWERS*
497 (534)
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
130 (144)
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
99 (98)
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
52 (56)
Number of SOWERS* requested (Including SOAs)
492 (491)
Number of SOWERS* working (Including SOAs)
166 (205)
*Number of SOWERS always refers to a SOWER "Unit" - whether a couple or a single, not individual SOWERS.
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SOWER Blog Roll
See what other SOWERS are doing around the country!
Roger's SOWER Blog
Roger & Nola Sorenson
Soltesweb.net
Ed & Patty Soltes
Bob and Billie on the Road
Bob & Billie Wakeman
RV There Yet
Gary & Stephanie Conrad
Paul Alton.com
Paul and Juanita Alton
Benedictus
Terry & Alice Burnett
RV Craze
Wayne and Gail Fieler
Glennandjanesjourney
Glenn and Jane Kellenbenz
Do YOU have a Blog you'd like to share? Send me the link, and we'll add it to the "Blog Roll".
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Photo Info/Credits
Header location -Lakewood Retreat (FL-478) John & Sheryl Jones (2813)
Header Group Shot -
Gospel Rescue Mission (AZ-487) March 2015
Dale & Cheryl Curtis (3253), Jim & Linda Bender (3202), Roger & Beth Swyter (2942), Gary & Pat Ormiston (3099)
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Looking for some SOWER Stuff?
From T-Shirts to Sweatshirts to Denim Shirts to Golf Shirts
If you're looking for some "SOWER wear" check out the inside back page of your Sowergram or click on the Merchandise Order Link on the Member Page.
And don't forget about the SOWER Ball Cap, various decals, patches or our SOWER Flag!
Business cards, brochures and the SOWER promotional DVD are available at N/C!
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There now is a Work Voucher available in an editable form. You open up the .pdf file and you can type in the information instead of writing it. Then you print them out, get them signed, and you're good to go. Of course, the traditional ones will still be sent in the GL packet, but we hope that some will find this useful.
The GL Report is also available as a form you can fill out on your computer. After you've filled out the information, save the file and then attach it to an email and send it to the office. You can also print a copy for your records.
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Growing our ministry
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The Board of Trustees is always looking for good ways to share the blessing of being a SOWER.
We have recently used the above graphic in some Christian magazine advertising and it has been well received! Are you aware of any other venues (possibly within your denomination?) where we could advertise?
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Contributors ALWAYS Needed!
Do YOU have a testimony to share about a recent SOWER project? Maybe a word of encouragement to other SOWERS? We'd love to hear about it!
Do you have a photograph that might work as a "header" for this monthly newsletter? (It will be cropped to 600x125 pixels) Or maybe a favorite group shot that could be included?
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Quick Links
To send in a prayer request or praise item-
To contact the office -
903-882-8070
To submit something to the newsletter
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